Senate of Porta Bianca
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Senate of Porta Bianca | |
|---|---|
| Porta Bianca General Assembly | |
 | |
| Type | |
| Type | Upper house of the Porta Bianca General Assembly |
Term limits | None |
| History | |
New session started | 6 January 2031 |
| Leadership | |
Thiago Espíndola (SDP) since 8 October 2030 | |
Majority Leader | Rafael Souza (SDP) since 8 October 2030 |
Minority Leader | Tomás Medina (PCU) since 8 October 2030 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 34 |
 | |
Political groups | Majority
SDP (20) |
Length of term | 4 years |
| Authority | Article 4, Constitution of Porta Bianca |
| Salary | $110,500/year + per diem |
| Elections | |
Last election | 8 October 2030 (12 seats) |
Next election | 5 October 2032 (11 seats) |
| Redistricting | Porta Bianca Redistricting Commission |
| Motto | |
| Progressus in sapientia | |
| Meeting place | |
 | |
| Commonwealth Senate Chamber Porta Bianca State Capitol Amar, Porta Bianca | |
| Website | |
| senate | |
The Senate of Porta Bianca is the upper house of the Porta Bianca General Assembly, the lower house being the Porta Bianca Chamber of Emissaries. The Senate convenes, along with the Chamber, at the Porta Bianca State Capitol in Amar.
The lieutenant governor presides daily over the Senate of Porta Bianca. In the lieutenant governor's absence, the president pro Tempore presides, usually a powerful member of the majority party. The Senate is equal with the Chamber of Emissaries, the lower chamber of the legislature, except that taxation bills must originate in the Chamber, similar to the National Congress. Members of the Senate of Porta Bianca are elected every four years by the voters of the 34 senatorial districts, coterminous with parish limits, on the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday in October, mirroring federal elections. The last election took place in October 2028, while the next is the upcoming general election on 5 October 2032. There are no term limits for senators, though most do not serve more than three terms.
History
The Senate of Porta Bianca, inaugurated in 1650 in conjunction with the state's Chamber of Emissaries, holds a history that reflects the evolution of governance in this island state. With the establishment of the Commonwealth of Porta Bianca as Cartadania's seventh state, the Senate emerged as a vital component of the state's legislative apparatus.
In its early years, the Senate of Porta Bianca played a pivotal role in shaping the state's identity and legislative framework. Figures such as Senator Amelia Roxas and Senator Carlos Silva spearheaded the development of critical policies, addressing issues ranging from land allocation for settlers to economic diversification and environmental conservation. The Senate also witnessed debates on preserving the cultural diversity that had flourished in Porta Bianca due to its dynamic demographic growth. Senator Sofia Ramires championed initiatives to promote cultural exchanges and heritage preservation, culminating in the establishment of the Porta Bianca Cultural Council, that, today, has worked to preserve and reintroduce as much of the indigenous culture as possible.
Over the decades, the Senate of Porta Bianca adapted to the changing needs of the state. In the late 18th century, it played a central role in discussions surrounding the regulation of the booming coffee industry, which had become a cornerstone of Porta Bianca's economy. Senators like João Mendes and Maria Vichal advocated for sustainable farming practices, leading to the enactment of groundbreaking agricultural legislation. The Senate also addressed questions of representation and inclusion. In the mid-19th century, Senator Rafael Mendoza led the charge for electoral reforms aimed at enhancing the participation of underrepresented communities. These reforms, which extended suffrage rights, reinforced the Senate's commitment to democratic principles.
Throughout its history, the Senate of Porta Bianca has remained a dynamic institution, adapting to the changing needs and aspirations of its people. Its journey, marked by the contributions of visionary leaders and policymakers, reflects the continued progression of Porta Bianca and its commitment to responsible governance.
Powers
Apportionment
The apportionment of the Senate of Porta Bianca, where each of the 34 parishes elects a single senator, stands as a distinctive feature in Cartadanian governance. Unlike some states that amalgamate multiple jurisdictions under one senator, this approach directly links each parish to its senator. This unique arrangement has historical roots in Porta Bianca's quest for representation during its path to statehood. As the territory sought admission into the Cartadanian union, it was determined to ensure equitable representation for all parishes, considering their unique demographic and geographic characteristics. This led to the decision to allocate a single senator to each parish, regardless of population size.
Over time, this approach has yielded a General Assembly where some Emissaries, representing larger districts, may indeed represent more constituents than certain Senators. This phenomenon highlights the distinctive nature of Porta Bianca's political landscape, where the principles of local representation and direct accountability remain paramount. While this method of apportionment may diverge from conventional practices in other states, it underscores the commitment of Porta Bianca to fostering a strong connection between its senators and the diverse parishes they represent. This unique Senate structure continues to be a defining feature of the state's political system, reflective of its historical and cultural evolution.
Current composition
- ▌ Gabriela Almeida - Hermosa
- ▌ Diego Alves - Alicia
- ▌ Matheus Barbosa - Vega Alta
- ▌ Maria Bitencourt - São Jacinto
- ▌ Rodrigo Cardoso - Vitória
- ▌ João Carlos Serrano - Aquila
- ▌ Juliana Carvalho - Bela Vista
- ▌ Guilherme Castro - Candelaria
- ▌ Ana Clara Rocha - Domingo
- ▌ Isabela Costa - Merced
- ▌ Thiago Espíndola - Reunião
- ▌ Mariana Fernandes - Monterrey Parish
- ▌ Lucas Ferreira - Monterrey
- ▌ Fernanda Gomes - Mecahuatl
- ▌ André Gonçalves - Florida
- ▌ Camila Lima - Luisa
- ▌ Helea Lomisa - Soualiga
- ▌ Rosalia Mantovani - Ouro
- ▌ Felipe Martins - São Tiago
- ▌ Tomás Medina - Isabela
- ▌ Bruna Moreira - Maria
- ▌ Luiz Oliveira - Vega Baixa
- ▌ Carla Pereira - Ascensão
- ▌ Júlia Pereira - Sonora
- ▌ Vanessa Pereira - Carolina
- ▌ Letícia Ramos - Tenejón
- ▌ Tiago Rocha - Amar
- ▌ Larissa Rodrigues - Hidalgo
- ▌ Marcelo Ruiz - Vadíz
- ▌ Gustavo Santos - Dourado
- ▌ Ana Silva - Belle
- ▌ André Silveira - São Marcos
- ▌ Pedro Sousa - Tequila
- ▌ Rafael Souza - Palestina